Fat removal and nerve protection device and method

a nerve protection device and fat removal technology, applied in the field of fat removal and nerve protection device and method, can solve the problems of increasing the difficulty of applying these techniques to all qualified patients, the danger level of the patient's coronary arteries, and the severe consequences of mishaps

US20050165345A1Inactive Publication Date: 2005-07-28BROWN TONY R
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2005-07-28
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

A fat removal device includes a screen which includes passages through which fat can be extruded, to be cut or melted away from the surface of an internal organ. The device includes a blade to cut the fat or radiofrequency monopolar or bipolar electrodes to melt the fat, aspiration to remove the fat away from the screen and blade, irrigation to irrigate the screen and blade, and an electrocautery member to cauterize the capillary bed of the fat. Methods of using removing the fat layer from the surface of an internal body organ are also described.
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Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 658,588, filed on Sep. 8, 2003; which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 874,360, filed Jun. 6, 2001, which is now issued U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,890.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for removing fatty tissue from a human body without damaging underlying nerves.

[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Related Art

[0005] Recent advances in cardiology, radiology, cardiothorasic vascular and neuro surgery have allowed patients suffering from various diseases of the internal organs to benefit from less invasive techniques to surgically treat their conditions. With the advent of newer techniques, however, come newer difficulties in the application of these techniques to all the qualified patients.

[0006] Recent advanced techniques and devices allow for the correction of numerous defects of the...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0064] Referring to the drawing figures, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements throughout the several figures.

[0065]FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment 100 of a fat removal and nerve protection device in accordance with the present invention. Device 100 includes a cannula 102 including a proximal end 104, a distal end 106, and an aspiration or suction lumen 108 extending between the proximal and distal ends. A source of vacuum (not illustrated) is fluidly connected to lumen 108 to aspirate all the fat and fluid which enters into the lumen. Device 100 further includes a protective mesh 110 extending from or a part of the distal end 106 of the cannula 102, which includes openings 118 of a size preselected to allow fatty tissues and fat cells to extrude through the mesh, while preventing nerves, as well as blood vessels of certain sizes from entering into the cannula, as will be described in greater detail below.

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